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- Dictionaryantiseptic/ˌantɪˈsɛptɪk/
adjective
- 1. preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms: "garlic has powerful antiseptic properties" Similar Opposite
- 2. scrupulously clean or pure, especially so as to be bland or characterless: "their squeaky-clean home epitomizes this antiseptic respectability" Similar Opposite
noun
- 1. an antiseptic compound or preparation: "the inappropriate use of antiseptics"
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Antiseptic is an adjective that means preventing or inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms, or a noun that means a substance that does so. Learn more about the synonyms, examples, and history of antiseptic from Merriam-Webster dictionary.
ANTISEPTIC definition: 1. a chemical used for preventing infection in an injury, especially by killing bacteria: 2…. Learn more.
- Overview
- What’s the difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant?
- How are antiseptics used?
- What are some types of antiseptic?
- Are antiseptics safe?
- The bottom line
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What is an antiseptic?
An antiseptic is a substance that stops or slows down the growth of microorganisms. They’re frequently used in hospitals and other medical settings to reduce the risk of infection during surgery and other procedures.
If you’ve ever witnessed any type of surgery, you probably saw the surgeon rubbing their hands and arms with an orange-tinted substance. This is an antiseptic.
Different types of antiseptics are used in medical settings. These include hand rubs, hand washes, and skin preparations. Some are also available over the counter (OTC) for home use.
Antiseptics and disinfectants both kill microorganisms, and many people use the terms interchangeably. Adding to the confusion, antiseptics are sometimes called skin disinfectants.
But there’s a big difference between antiseptics and disinfectants. An antiseptic is applied to the body, while disinfectants are applied to nonliving surfaces, such as countertops and handrails. In a surgical setting, for example, a doctor will apply an antiseptic to the surgical site on a person’s body and use a disinfectant to sterilize the operating table.
Antiseptics have a variety of uses both in and out of medical settings. In both settings, they’re applied to either the skin or mucous membranes.
Specific antiseptic uses include:
•Hand washing. Medical professionals use antiseptics for hand scrubs and rubs in hospitals.
•Disinfecting mucous membranes. Antiseptics can be applied to the urethra, bladder, or vagina to clean the area before inserting a catheter. They can also help to treat an infection in these areas.
•Cleaning skin before an operation. Antiseptics are applied to the skin before any kind of surgery to protect against any harmful microorganisms that might be on the skin.
•Treating skin infections. You can buy OTC antiseptics to reduce the risk of infection in minor cuts, burns, and wounds. Examples include hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol.
Antiseptics are usually categorized by their chemical structure. All types disinfect skin, but some have additional uses.
Common types with varied uses include:
•Chlorhexidine and other biguanides. These are used on open wounds and for bladder irrigation.
•Antibacterial dye. These help to treat wounds and burns.
•Peroxide and permanganate. These are often used in antiseptic mouthwashes and on open wounds.
•Halogenated phenol derivative. This is used in medical-grade soaps and cleaning solutions.
Some strong antiseptics can cause chemical burns or severe irritation if applied to skin without being diluted with water. Even diluted antiseptics can cause irritation if they’re left on skin for long periods of time. This kind of irritation is called irritant contact dermatitis.
If you’re using an antiseptic at home, don’t use it for more than a week at a time.
Avoid using OTC antiseptics for more serious wounds, such as:
•eye injuries
•human or animal bites
•deep or large wounds
Antiseptics are substances that help to stop the growth of microorganisms on the skin. They’re used daily in medical settings to reduce the risk of infection and stop the spread of germs. While they’re generally safe, it’s best to avoid using them for long periods of time.
Antiseptics are substances that stop or slow down the growth of microorganisms on the skin and mucous membranes. Learn how they compare to disinfectants, what they're used for, and how to use them safely.
An antiseptic ( Greek: ἀντί, romanized : anti, lit. 'against' [1] and σηπτικός, sēptikos, 'putrefactive' [2]) is an antimicrobial substance or compound that is applied to living tissue to reduce the possibility of sepsis, infection or putrefaction.
Antiseptic definition: pertaining to or affecting antisepsis. . See examples of ANTISEPTIC used in a sentence.
Jun 11, 2024 · antiseptic, any of several substances used to slow or inhibit the growth of infectious microorganisms. Antiseptics are applied to external body surfaces, such as when treating minor wounds, when cleaning the skin prior to an injection, and when cleaning the hands.
noun. /ˌæntiˈseptɪk/ [countable, uncountable] a substance that helps to prevent infection in wounds by killing bacteria synonym disinfectant. a mild/strong/powerful antiseptic. Use antiseptic to clean and dress cuts. Dab the graze with antiseptic. You should put some antiseptic on that cut. Topics Social issues c1, Healthcare c1.
